Dgalactarate

Dgalactarate is the common name for galactaric acid, also known as mucic acid. It is a sugar acid, a type of carbohydrate derived from galactose. Dgalactarate is an aldaric acid, meaning it is an oxidized form of an aldose sugar where both the aldehyde and terminal alcohol groups have been oxidized to carboxylic acid groups. Its chemical formula is C6H10O8. It is a white crystalline solid that is insoluble in water and alcohol.

Dgalactarate is a naturally occurring compound found in certain fruits and vegetables, although typically in low concentrations. It can be synthesized by the oxidation of galactose or lactose, often using nitric acid as the oxidizing agent. Historically, it was a significant compound in carbohydrate chemistry and was used in various industrial applications, including as a chelating agent and a precursor for other chemicals. Today, its industrial relevance is more limited. It can also be identified through specific chemical tests.